REVISED proposals for a Dumfries and Galloway wind farm have been submitted by Scottish employer, Banks Renewables – with amendments made following public feedback and wide ranging consultation.

Banks Renewables, based in Hamilton, submitted the Further Environmental Information (FEI), for Knockendurrick, to Dumfries and Galloway Council on Thursday 22nd March 2017.

The plans for the seven-turbine Knockendurrick Wind Farm have been revised, with six of the turbines reduced from 132m to 115m, and the seventh dropped to 100m. In addition the wind farm has been moved east to take it further away from the Fleet Valley National Scenic Area.

The 14MW wind farm near Twynholm could generate enough electricity to power around 8,270 homes[1] and the submission also includes plans for a jobs and training programme, as well as offering the local community the opportunity to purchase up to a 10 per cent share in the wind farm.

Jeannie Kielty, community relations manager at Banks Renewables, said: “The amendments we’ve made to the plans have come about as a result of detailed feedback from consultees and the public over many months.

“This has been a really valuable process and we think it has resulted in a really well designed proposal. This wind farm provides the opportunity to help address local issues such as fuel poverty and poor community transport, as well as helping Dumfries and Galloway to decarbonise its economy.

“If it gets the go-ahead it will also help Scotland achieve its aim of meeting half of Scotland’s energy needs by 2030 from renewable sources.

“These changes improve the appearance of the wind farm – making it even more sympathetic to the landscape; whilst the good wind resource in this location, allied to our commitment to support local businesses, ensures the project would deliver significant value to the local economy over its 25 year life.”

Jeannie added: “Knockendurrick wind farm can deliver a range of benefits for communities and businesses in the local area.

“These include contracts for local businesses, direct employment opportunities, and ring-fenced funding for a jobs and training programme and the development of a sustainable economy with a focus on tourism, forestry and rural business development.”